Keys to a Happy Life

[Yooper]

These are things that I learned today from Quinn, almost three years old.

Look up!
Look down.
Watch. Everything is interesting when you watch.
Embrace new things and ideas.
Say, "What's that?" and learn something new.
Believe in everything.
Smile at people.
Cry if you need to.
Say "Wow" at bulldozers, backhoes, steamrollers, and birds.
Eat a little,
play a little,
talk a little,
read a little,
love a lot.
Rest.
Repeat.



I've been struggling with a lot of loss lately, and life changes for myself. I tend to overthink everything, but today Quinn taught me that joy comes from the smallest things, and that nothing is permanent.

 

[TxBrew]

So be a kid? I wish I could.

 

[LAHammer]

My granddaughters (3 and 6) are visiting for a couple of weeks from 2000 miles away. Forgot what a great read "The Gingerbread Man" was and how hard it is to learn to ride a bicycle.

 

[JohnnyO]

It's all of those reasons why I'm afraid to see my son get older. He's 23 months now and everything in the world is new and awesome to him. Well, aside from diaper changes. I love watching his excitement and help him navigate his world.

I'm sorry you're going through some loss, Yooper. Glad you have Quinn as a bright spot.

 

[mikescooling]

Never get to old to play.

 

[stevereigh]

Your list is all well and good, but don't forget to poop a little too.

 

[brewkinger]

One of the "kid" things that I wish could translate into adulthood:

When you or someone else is out of sorts, a NAP will more than likely remedy the problem.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

These are things that I learned today from Quinn, almost three years old.

Look up!
Look down.
Watch. Everything is interesting when you watch.
Embrace new things and ideas.
Say, "What's that?" and learn something new.
Believe in everything.
Smile at people.
Cry if you need to.
Say "Wow" at bulldozers, backhoes, steamrollers, and birds.
Eat a little,
play a little,
talk a little,
read a little,
love a lot.
Rest.
Repeat.



I've been struggling with a lot of loss lately, and life changes for myself. I tend to overthink everything, but today Quinn taught me that joy comes from the smallest things, and that nothing is permanent.

That is an excellent set of keys. Just keep in mind that while it may be more convienient to go through life by the click of a FOB, the battery may run out but a basic set of keys will always work.

Never get to old to play.

I'm never too old. Just too arthritic.

 

[Melana]

One of the "kid" things that I wish could translate into adulthood:

When you or someone else is out of sorts, a NAP will more than likely remedy the problem.

Oh how i miss naps.

 

[Homercidal]

That little guy is growing up way too fast!

 

[DrunkleJon]

Seeing the world through they eyes of a kid will make everything wonderous and different and worthwhile.

Here are a few I would add:
Twirl and get yourself dizzy (it is cheaper than beer)
Run. Because you can.
Accept what people tell you, but question it when they aren't around.
Stick out your tongue to authority when their backs are turned. It will make you feel better.

This all reminds me of my favorite saying "Happiness is a short memory." How can you be unhappy if you live in the moment and no longer remember what you are unhappy about. Hang in there Yooper. Learn back from young ones as you teach and relax when you can. Cheers!